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IU Health West Offers TWO Free Seminars on Stroke Basics During May

An IU Health West Hospital Release

4/24/2013—
May is National Stroke Awareness Month and Indiana University Health West Hospital wants everyone to know how acting FAST during a stroke can save lives.

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds, someone dies of a stroke every three minutes.

"Stroke and cardiovascular disease can affect a person’s everyday life and even result in death, "says James Fesenmeier, MD, neurologist with IU Health Physicians at Indiana University Health West Hospital. "However, stroke is a highly preventable disease. Key prevention steps that everyone should consider include controlling high blood pressure, controlling high cholesterol, not smoking, exercising regularly and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fats. Preventing diabetes or controlling diabetes as much as possible if it develops is also important. Beyond that, knowing the signs of a stroke can save lives and improve outcomes if someone you love does suffer from a stroke.”

The National Stroke Association estimates that 795,000 American’s will suffer a stroke this year, yet most people in the US cannot identify stroke warning signs or risk factors. Many strokes—some studies indicating up to 80 percent—can be prevented through risk factor management.

Recognizing the symptoms and acting FAST to get medical attention can save lives and limit disabilities:

Facial weakness: Can the person smile? Does one side of the face droop?Arms: Can the person raise both arms? Does one arm drift downward?Speech: Can the person repeat a simple phrase? Is their speech slurred or strange?Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately!

In Hendricks County alone, there are nearly 80 reported cases of strokes each year. Even one case is too many of this preventable condition. To honor National Stroke Awareness month this May, IU Health West Hospital is offering two FREE opportunities to learn more about stroke risk factor management and how to recognize and respond to the warning signs by acting FAST.